Melasma / Pigmentation Treatment
Honest, unsponsored guide — information only, not medical advice.
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Estimated Price Range (per session)
PKR 5,000–25,000
Prices vary by clinic, technique, and case. Always request a written quote.
What Is It?
Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder causing symmetrical brown or grey patches on sun-exposed skin, particularly the face. It is driven by hormonal factors (pregnancy, contraceptives), sun exposure, and genetic predisposition. Treatment requires a combination of sun protection, topical agents, and in some cases procedural treatments.
How It Works
First-line treatment involves topical agents (hydroquinone, tretinoin, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, vitamin C) combined with strict daily SPF50+ sunscreen. For resistant cases, chemical peels, laser toning (Nd:YAG), or tranexamic acid mesotherapy may be added. Treatment is chronic, not curative — maintenance is always required.
Realistic Results
Significant lightening is achievable in most patients with a consistent treatment programme. However, melasma is prone to recurrence, particularly with sun exposure or hormonal changes. Patients should be counselled that ongoing treatment is necessary, not a cure.
Recovery
Topical treatments require no downtime. Chemical peels and laser toning may cause 2–5 days of redness or mild peeling.
Risks & Complications
- !Rebound hyperpigmentation if sun protection is inconsistent
- !Ochronosis (paradoxical skin darkening) with prolonged high-dose hydroquinone use
- !Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from peels or laser if applied too aggressively
- !Melasma persistence despite treatment — complete clearance is not always achievable
Red Flags — Choose a Clinic Safely
- ⚑Provider recommends aggressive laser treatment or deep peels as a first-line treatment for melasma (this can worsen it)
- ⚑No sun protection advice given as part of the treatment plan
- ⚑Hydroquinone at concentrations exceeding 4% prescribed without regular monitoring
- ⚑Provider does not discuss the need for ongoing maintenance
- ⚑Mercury-containing skin lightening products offered
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- What first-line treatment do you recommend before considering laser or peels?
- Is my melasma dermal or epidermal — does that change the approach?
- How important is strict sun protection, and what specific product do you recommend?
- Is my melasma hormone-related, and should I change my contraception?
- How long until I see improvement, and what is the maintenance plan?
Vetted Clinics Offering This Procedure
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